Australian outfit Kingswood have traded the indie-rock velocity of their earlier days for a sound that feels distinctly road-tested, dusty, and unapologetic. On their latest offering, ‘Midnight Mavericks’, the ARIA-nominated group firmly plant their boots in the soil of Americana and heartland rock. Produced by Alexander Laska, who also co-wrote the track list, this record behaves like an after-dark companion for long drives. It shuns glossy studio sheen in favour of muscle and melody, trading heavily on themes of restlessness and hard self-reflection.
The album kicks off with the driving pop-country momentum of ‘Two Lovers’, featuring excellent vocal contrast from Steph Greenwood, before sliding into the jangling, 90s-infused optimism of ‘Lovin’ A Girl’. However, the band truly hit their stride when they dive into the shadows. ‘Pouring Rain’ is a cinematic highlight, channelling the dark, western-tinged melancholy of Johnny Cash and Chris Isaak. Meanwhile, the sprawling five-minute centrepiece ‘Jenny’ provides a heavy dose of grit and slide guitar, proving that Kingswood still know how to amplify the tension.
“’Midnight Mavericks’ is an album written after the lights go out. You’re forced to reckon with who you are when no one’s watching. There’s grit here. There’s tenderness. It’s country and rock — worn in, not dressed up — built on melody, muscle, and stories, blending lived-in boots and hopeful dreamers.”
While the slower acoustic tracks like ‘Highway Signs’ offer a welcome breather, the record occasionally threatens to coast on its influences. The Tom Petty-inspired grooves and Eagles-style harmonies are exceptionally well-handled, but a few mid-tempo arrangements blend together on repeat listens.
As the album continues, the band inject a late burst of energy with their latest single. Fergus describes the track, ‘The Action’, as a dance floor belter that revels in the freedom of sinless attraction and fearless endeavour, as one feels when you finally swim out past the crashing waves of heartbreak, and you’re ready to stand up on your board and surf again.” It is a welcome spark on a record that ultimately values storytelling over quick thrills. ‘Midnight Mavericks’ represents a confident next chapter for a band operating at full strength.
To catch this new material on tour, check out Kingswood's official website and follow the band on Instagram, Facebook, and X for upcoming national tour updates.
